Unfairness

jinnty

Hello, as being one of 2 people living in our house being disabled, I think it’s beyond belief just how much we are paying for everything that we need being so high  in cost. My husband who is my carer has to go round nearly every shop in our area to try to find the best prices and deals. Right now I’m dreading winter, and the price of our heating, as the 3 of us in the house do suffer in various ways if it’s cold. I actually think it was appalling that people on pip only got the least amount of money even though it has been proved that we use or/and need more energy use or specific food than non disabled. In my opinion, we have been treated, with discrimination. We are told to report any discrimination but who do we report it too if it’s our own government doing it. Sorry for the long post. Like many I’m angry at this. 

MW123

Hello Jinnty 

Unfortunately, this year, we won't be receiving the £400 government allowance we had last year to help with our bills. Although I was deeply grateful for the extra assistance last time, it seems unlikely that any additional support will be provided this year.

jinnty

@MW123
I know it’s not happening again this year, and yesterday’s record profit for the gas company really shows just how much we are sadly paying. Scope has been fantastic in highlighting just how much energy disabled people use more than non disabled and yet that fact is ignored. I truly am dreading autumn never alone winter. 

poppy123456

jinnty said:

 I actually think it was appalling that people on pip only got the least amount of money

That's not true, there were lots of people claiming PIP and a qualifying means tested benefit that also qualified them for the £650 for last year and the first £301 this year, as well as both £150 payments.

Have you used a benefits calculator to check entitlement to Universal Credit? If you live with a partner you'll need to claim as a couple and your joint circumstances will be taken into consideration. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator

Adeline

I feel the same @jinnty. Not so much about the amounts being unfair as those on low incomes on PIP should also have gotten the income related payments but the worry about what is to come.
I'm really nervous about winter and am cutting back on everything already to try and have some things aside. Food still seems to be going up each week and I've been buying extras and stockpiling since early June in preparation for winter. I can't imagine what our energy bills will be. We're paying over £200 a month already and that's without heating. 

MW123 said:

Hello Jinnty 

Unfortunately, this year, we won't be receiving the £400 government allowance we had last year to help with our bills. Although I was deeply grateful for the extra assistance last time, it seems unlikely that any additional support will be provided this year.

Do you know if there are any more payments coming at all?

poppy123456

Adeline said:

I feel the same @jinnty. Not so much about the amounts being unfair as those on low incomes on PIP should also have gotten the income related payments

They did, if they were claiming certain means tested benefits. Those that don't claim either of them were not entitled and it wouldn't have been possible to look at everyone's circumstances to determine those on low income, without them being in receipt of those specific benefits.

Adeline said:

Do you know if there are any more payments coming at all?

No, not that i'm aware of at least not for energy help like there was last year for working age people. There's the Winter Fuel payment for those of state pension age and above. 

There's another cost of living payment of £300 coming in the Autumn and a final one coming in early 2024 for those claiming certain means tested benefits. Full details here. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment

JessieJ

You may be able to get some help via the Household Support Fund that is still in place, I believe. You go through your local council, they're for anyone that is vulnerable & finding it difficult to pay for essentials.

https://www.gov.uk/cost-living-help-local-council

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @jinnty

A lot of people have been worrying about the upcoming months and Scope do have their own Disability Energy Support Service should you need any advice or support. If you wanted to report, I would encourage you to let your Local MP know.